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Skip any of these and you'll pay for it in spring. The complete RV winterization checklist.
Every year, thousands of RV owners store their rigs without proper preparation - and every spring, they pay $500-$3,000 in repairs that could have been prevented with a few hours of work. Here are the 10 things you must do before putting your RV into storage.
This is the #1 cause of expensive RV storage damage. Water left in pipes, the water heater, or holding tanks freezes, expands, and cracks pipes, fittings, and the water heater tank. Repair cost: $500-$2,000+.
Do this: Drain fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks completely. Drain the water heater (open the drain plug AND the pressure relief valve). Open all faucets. Then run non-toxic RV antifreeze through all lines - kitchen, bathroom, outdoor shower, ice maker line, washing machine if equipped.
Old fuel gums up carburetors, fuel injectors, and fuel lines. Ethanol-blended fuel absorbs moisture and separates in as little as 30 days.
Do this: Fill the tank to 90-95% (not 100% - fuel expands). Add fuel stabilizer per the label directions. Run the engine for 15 minutes to circulate treated fuel through the entire system, including the generator if equipped.
A dead battery in cold weather can freeze, crack the case, and permanently destroy it. Replacement cost: $150-$400 per battery, and most RVs have 2-4.
Do this: Fully charge both house and chassis batteries. Disconnect the negative terminals. If storing where you have power, connect a smart battery tender. If not, plan to check and charge monthly.
Even sealed food attracts rodents, ants, and roaches. A single mouse can cause thousands in wiring damage over a winter.
Do this: Remove ALL food, drinks, toiletries, and anything scented. Clean the fridge completely and leave both fridge and freezer doors open. Place an open box of baking soda inside. Wipe down all surfaces to remove crumbs and residue.
Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. They chew wiring, upholstery, insulation, and plumbing lines. This is the #2 cause of expensive storage damage after frozen pipes.
Do this: Cover all exterior vents with mesh or steel wool. Stuff exhaust pipes with steel wool. Place mouse traps and/or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls throughout the interior. Seal any gaps around plumbing or electrical penetrations under the RV with spray foam or steel wool.
Leaving propane on creates a leak risk and is a fire hazard. Most storage facilities require propane to be off.
Do this: Turn off all propane appliances. Close the propane tank valve completely. If required by your facility, remove portable propane tanks and store them upright in a ventilated area (not inside the RV).
A small crack in roof sealant becomes a major leak over winter. Water intrusion causes delamination, mold, and wood rot - often invisible until extensive damage is done.
Do this: Walk the roof (if safe) or inspect with a ladder. Check sealant around all vents, antennas, AC units, and roof edges. Re-caulk any cracked or peeling sealant with self-leveling RV roof sealant. This 30-minute job can save thousands.
RV tires sitting in one position for months develop flat spots. UV degrades sidewalls. Tire replacement for an RV: $200-$500 per tire.
Do this: Inflate all tires to the maximum PSI listed on the sidewall. Cover each tire with UV-protective tire covers. If storing on pavement, place plywood under each tire to prevent moisture absorption from the ground. If possible, move the RV a few inches monthly to prevent flat spots.
Slide-outs left extended accumulate debris, strain seals, and can be damaged by snow load or high winds.
Do this: Retract all slide-outs fully. Clean and lubricate the slide-out seals with a rubber conditioner. If your facility requires slide-outs to be retracted (most do), confirm they're fully in before parking.
A cheap tarp traps moisture and causes more damage than no cover at all. Mold, mildew, and paint damage from trapped condensation are common.
Do this: Either use a quality breathable RV cover ($200-$600) designed for your RV size class, or skip the cover entirely if you're storing in a covered or indoor facility. Waxing the exterior before storage is a better investment than a cheap cover. Never use a standard tarp.
Frozen pipes
$500-$2,000+ repair
Rodent damage
$300-$3,000+ repair
Dead batteries
$150-$400 per battery
Roof leak / delamination
$1,000-$10,000+ repair
Total time to do all 10 steps: 3-5 hours. Total cost of skipping them: potentially the value of your entire RV.
Now that your RV is prepped, find a secure facility with the features you need.